Making the world safer with Safecast

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sometimes good things can come out of bad things. After the devastating earthquake that hit Japan in 2011, and which caused massive problems at Fukushima Diachi nuclear reactor (which are still ongoing, by the way), it became obvious that there was a need for reliable, up-to-date data on radiation hazards. A joint project of International Medcom, Keio University, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and GlobalGiving has answered that need with Safecast. Safecast bills itself as a “global sensor network for collecting and sharing radiation measurements to empower people with data about their environments.” Originally designed to focus on radiation levels in Japan, Safecast is now trying to get a radiation baseline for the planet as well as measure other environmental factors. There are about 50 volunteers on the radiation monitoring team.

Safecast’s current goal is to fundraise, and that’s how you can participate. The team wants to raise approximately $90,000 to produce more bGeigies, the devices they attach to cars to monitor radiation levels. There are several donation levels available, including a monthly donation option. You can send your donation via their GlobalGiving page.